Michael Davidi - The Watch Empire - Timeandgems
________________________________________
Like several other people here I purchased a watch from timeandgems eBay store (July 14th). The price seemed suspiciously too good to be true, but the seller had almost perfect feedback 800 or so positive - established since 1997 - professional template/layout/photography - one negative in the previous year (at the time of my purchase). When I emailed him to ask why the watch was considerably cheaper than probably market value, he told me that they were clearing all of their stock out by the end of the month - essentially it sounded like they were divesting themselves of all their watches at fire sale prices. I was still suspicious but figured the purchase would be covered by eBay/PayPal anyway so I made the leap of faith and was emailed shortly thereafter to let me know the watch would be coming shortly via UPS and they would email me details shortly. After 5 days I emailed to ask why I had not been given tracking details, no response. I sent another email on the 6th day, and was advised that 'our eBay account was hacked' we cannot help you at this time. I immediately opened a PayPal dispute and contacted timeandgems on the phone number provided - I spoke to a guy with a strong Israeli accent who I assume is Michael, he advised me that their account was hacked and that eBay had been notified. I know from my own experience with eBay that in the event that this happens, the account is immediately NARU'd and a full refund is issued - no questions asked, end of story. Thus I know for a fact his claims are false. He is a con artist and a cheat and I will be lodging official complaints with eBay and contacting law enforcement agencies to follow this matter up. I encourage everybody else who has been stung by the scammer to notify not only eBay, but the authorities. Otherwise he can easily set up new eBay accounts under new names and defraud countless other people - if he's behind bars he will be in less of a position to do so (they may get an hour or two computer time per week depending on which correctional institution he ends up in). I did get refunded curiously enough about 30 minutes after I spoke to Michael and told him I would be going to the police.

And for all you Rolex buffs - the watch in question was a stainless steel datejust roman silver dial - late 90's model I believe - $USD1200 :)
http://www.rolexforums.com/archive/index.php/t-86624.html

Watch2buy | J
I am a dealer in Miami. On my very first purchase from WATCH EMPIRE, the watch (Cartier Roadster GMT) arrived not working. My watchmaker had to replace the parts on the watch ($160 dealer cost) and said the watch had been dropped various times and had never been serviced. The ad said that the watch was MINT and AS NEW!!! I called and Michael told me that he would credit the watch repair on my next purchase. I asked him to pay for the repair. He was very rude and nasty! After checking with some other dealers, I realized that WATCH EMPIRE has a HORRIBLE reputation with watch dealers! ********BUYER BEWARE!!!

http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Buying-a-Watch-review-qplqpsourm

Steve G.

Mar 25th 2010: Communicated with Jason Smith for over a week by email about a particular two tone GMT watch that I saw on their auction. The auction expired without selling, so I arranged an appointment with Jason Smith at Time and Gems to see/buy the watch during my trip From Texas to Palm Springs on March 25th. I made and confirmed by email the March 25th noon appointment with Jason Smith, and called early this morning before they opened to let Jason know I was coming, as I was about to fight several hours of traffic during my drive from Palm Springs to Time and Gem's office in LA. I left a messeage for Jason Smith about 0730 or so to let him know I was still coming to my appointment. After 3 1/2 Hours of bumper to bumper traffic, I called Time and Gem about 11:00 and spoke to Jason Smith. I told him I was 30-45 mintues out, he then said he SOLD THE WATCH!!! Give me a break! He said, "sorry man." Where is the customer service??? My head almost exploded. If you have more sense than I do, stay away from Jason Smith and Time and Gem. He is a loser trying to make a sale, without regard to customer service! STAY AWAY!!!
http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Time-and-Gems-206071075

SELLERS ! Good luck to you... They are AKA "thewatchempire", "the watch empire llc" also "swisswatchempire", "michael davidi", "austin peterson". I purchased from them, they sent wrong watch, I sent it back to them. Then they sent another watch- no way on my life the same as pictured like I was supposed to get [got e-mail from "sales manager" (Justin) watches on their websites are actually the one you will receive]. Then, they refused exchange during the clearly posted exchange period (at that time, their website clearly read 10-day exchange period). I filed a complaint with LA County BBB - all facts. The Watch Empire gave absolutely no proof I was wrong and ultimately refused to make a final response to the complaint upon my rebuttal with even more evidence of their fraudulant business practices. Also, funny thing, I kept the watch listing saved under "my eBay" after it was "relisted". (How come they re-listed it if they sold it to me?). Well, some poor soul with a listed eBay location of Malaysia also bought the watch in the listing. How can they sell the same watch to two different sellers? LOL. Beware of these crooks. Do buisness at your own risk. Well, I'm still stuck with a total p.o.s. watch and LA County BBB apparently is powerless and just says they note the response (or lack of) and it reflects on their "ratings".

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=100282&highlight=time+gems

Fastchopper
"I went to their office to buy a watch for my girlfriend. This would have been the fourth rolex I I had purchased in my life. We walked out after 15 minutes of wasted time. The watch we went to see was locked in a safe that only had one key and that was with a guy who was asleep at home! They had no idea when he was going to be in and they didn't seem to care. Their advice was come back another time! Yes the watches are cheaper but their service sucks. "

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Time_and_Gems

FAKE REVIEWS..FAKE WATCHES!!!
Provided by YP.com
Posted by kristinehostos on 04/15/2011
Well just like what a smart consumer do, if you are purchasing something online, you would research about the establishment first right? And so I did.. with all that I read, I felt confident and was re-assured that I was making the right choice. I collect ROLEX watches and this would've been my third! To my anticipation, waiting for the package to arrive, you can't imagine the look on my face with such disappointment and anger when I opened the box and I just purchased a "pre-owned" ROLEX which was FAKE!!! I felt deceived..to my surprise as I explained this over the phone to the supervisor Mr. Lloyd Cavendish, he didn't even acknowledge that fact nor did he apologize for it!

THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS A FRAUD and they should be ashamed of themselves selling fake rolex watches to people!!!
http://www.yellowpages.com/los-angeles-ca/mip/time-and-gems-457393415

I went to their office to try and purchase my girlfriend a rolex. This would have been the fourth rolex I had purchased. The service here was a joke. No keys for the safe (as the guy was still asleep) and the salesman obviously didn't like his job. Was a nasty experience. I guess that's why rolex have proper sales outlets.
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/807223-Time-and-Gems-Los-Angeles

timeandgems.com / EBAY SCAM May 12, 2010 - 02:54 PM
They tell you to send a wire and save money but do not click " BUY IT NOW" on Ebay, then send you a inferier watch to see if you notice ?..then when you send it back for a refund they take ( steal !! ) 20% and call it a restocking fee !! SCAM, SCAM, SCAM ~!!!..do not answer emails nor offer exchanges as there Web site states !!..took me for $600 !!!..posted a dispute with the B.B.B & IC3.GOV !! this guy is BAD news, said a "GOOD" appraisal watch was the same as a "MINT" one, and used that excuse to scam me out of $600 !!! BEWARE BUYERS !!!, this guy is a peice of work !! $600 to put a watch back on the shelf ?...pleaseeeeeeeeeeee !!
http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=393865&rid=0

Steve G.

•
1 Review
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0 Answers


Mar 25th 2010: Communicated with Jason Smith for over a week by email about a particular two tone GMT watch that I saw on their auction. The auction expired without selling, so I arranged an appointment with Jason Smith at Time and Gems to see/buy the watch during my trip From Texas to Palm Springs on March 25th. I made and confirmed by email the March 25th noon appointment with Jason Smith, and called early this morning before they opened to let Jason know I was coming, as I was about to fight several hours of traffic during my drive from Palm Springs to Time and Gem's office in LA. I left a messeage for Jason Smith about 0730 or so to let him know I was still coming to my appointment. After 3 1/2 Hours of bumper to bumper traffic, I called Time and Gem about 11:00 and spoke to Jason Smith. I told him I was 30-45 mintues out, he then said he SOLD THE WATCH!!! Give me a break! He said, "sorry man." Where is the customer service??? My head almost exploded. If you have more sense than I do, stay away from Jason Smith and Time and Gem. He is a loser trying to make a sale, without regard to customer service! STAY AWAY!!!
http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Time-and-Gems-206071075

Time and Gems strikes again!! Dishonest, fake, terrible service...

As I mentioned in my first post, my refund check was on its way and I was worried because it might be less than what was owed to me, and guess what???

Over 1, 200+ good ratings on ebay, they didn't let me down.

Here's my return check. Original price $3, 823.00 Minus 20% restocking fee should equal $3, 058.4 NOT $2, 958.00


I mentioned in my post prior that getting stiffed on my refund probably won't happen but if there was a company to do it, it's timeandgems. They sure did come through in true sleaze ball fashion.

My first email to notify them was done on their website, so I don't have a copy of that. But all it entailed was that they cannot do math and that I want my money back. I copy and pasted my bank account wire transfer for the total amount as well.

Here's what happened next. These are copies from my inbox.

So my first email: just mentioned above...
Then their response:

"We had two shipping fees totaling $50 each, total of $100 in fees plus the 20% restocking fee, "
Jason Smith
www.timeandgems.com
213-622-3679
"Your Online Leader in Swiss Watch Sales"
NOW MY EMAIL:
"Actually, I paid for the shipping on the first transaction for both ends, receiving and sending back to you. So that would mean you only paid for the second watch you sent me."
"I am sure of it, Juan told me the shipping cost, and that was added to my bank wire transfer."
"So if you could, I would really appreciate the $50 you didn't include."
Time and Gems response:
"Do you have a Paypal account, we can send there, it is much easier"


These guys are truly unbelievable!!! It drives my insane to think that a company so shady, so dishonest can be at all successful.
If you were on the fence about timeandgems, this should be the nail in the coffin!
Do NOT SUPPORT THIS COMPANY! Stay away from www.timeandgems.com

**** This just in, they refunded my money as I was writing this entry. Wow, now they seem to be right on top of things! Maybe they read my first post!

Watch Empire LLC sent you $50.00 USD
Hello j,
Just thought you'd like to know Watch Empire LLC sent you $50.00 USD.


Posted by j at 8:41 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
TIMEandGEMS.com BUYER BEWARE!! Read before you buy!
My terrible expeirance with www.timeandgems.com

Customer review/rating/service

Around the first week in June I researched and looked into www.timeandgems.com

Weary about buying a preowned Rolex, I tried to find as much information as possible and thought I'd just go for it. What a BIG MISTAKE!

First let me start out by saying that they have a company policy of a 20% restocking fee.

So I did my part and thought to have researched the company thoroughly. Obviously not enough. Let me just tell you my experience was one of the worst I have ever had, and actually it was more frustrating because there was nothing I could really do. The way their run their business is shady at best. Let me also say that they have a lot of publicity because they are the first to modify Rolex watches and turn them black with some military grade process.

They are also sell on ebay and have a lot of transactions and what seems to be satisfied customers. So I decided to go ahead and make a purchase.

I was buying a Rolex 2 tone date-just for my father. It was a surprise. Unfortunatley, my dad has not happy with the style of watch. This was entirely my fault and thankfully timeandgems offers a 10 day no hassle exchange policy. Great, lets change the watch!

So I talked with Juan and he told me I must ship it back to a different shipping address, not the one that was listed on the package. I was also advised to insure it for up to the watch amount, still sounds like nothing is wrong. Then UPS charged about $70 for insurance and shipping.

Now the problem with this situation is that the package had a return shipping label, not the address Juan told me to send it to. So I had to pay out of pocket. More on this later.

I had to call them several times to check and make sure my watch reached them. So they switched out my watch.

Timeandgems swapped it out for a submariner with no date, received it in a day or so. Let me also state, that trying to get a hold of theses people is impossible. For the life of me I can't understand how such a fine establishment with platinum power rankings on ebay can't answer the phone. But that's not the only issue. If they do pick up, to talk to the person you need to talk to, forget it! They put you on hold for no lie here, a minimum of 7 mins. OR the person you need to talk to is so busy, or their favorite, 'he just stepped out'. I know this is a lie because I talked to Juan and he said Jason (manager) JUST stepped out. Then I called back and talked to Ernesto. Ernesto was by the way the most helpful and genuine person I talked to over there. He seemed to care and helped me out. Anyways, he told me that Jason was there, but busy. Nothing major but lie none the less.

I received the submariner and to our big disappointment, the bezel or dial on the watch was loose! And when I say loose, I mean it was turning with no clicks, tension, and even worse, the bezel is supposed to only turn counter clockwise but this one you could turn both ways with ease. At this point, it felt like a real cheap knock off. Also, the submariner was a few hundred dollars cheaper than the original watch, so I should have been issued a refund. So for even that, I had to call and ask them to send me a check! Is that necessary? Were they hoping I would forget or didn't realize that price difference?

Now I realize that this is what they claim to be a CERTIFIED USED watch. But something that major should have been CHECKED! Or at the very least disclosed!!! According to Juan, it was a minor issue. Really?

After this major flaw in the watch, and my experience with them up until now, I just wanted my money back. So I knew the 20% 'restocking' fee probably would kick in.

It's worth to note, that both the watches were sent back to timeandgems the same day it was received, actually, within hours of arrival. This time I was not going to pay for shipping when the watch was defective. So I demanded a shipping label and they gave me one after waiting again on hold for an eternity. Would have been nice if they provided one the first time.

I wrote them an email asking for some leniency on the 20%. No response. So I wanted to talk to the manager, because no one in sales, especially Juan, can't issue refunds. It took me 2 DAYS to get Jason on the phone. Let me tell you how terrible this was.

I waited 2 different times to talk to Jason, the man who is so busy he can't take a customers phone call, or who is so busy that he is always stepping out of the office. And please, he is to busy to pick up that heavy telephone and call someone back.

After waiting almost 10 mins, again not an exaggeration I had Jason on the phone.

Here's the conversation.

Jason: Hello

Me: Finally I got you on the phone, did you get my email regarding my refund?

Jason: (abrupt interruption) Listen, I don't have time for this, if you want a refund there is a 20% restocking fee. Do you want a refund or not?

Me: There's nothing you can do? The watches were worn once to try on nothing else and plus the second watch was defective. You can't work something out?

Jason: No. Ill send you your refund minus 20%

I felt like I was talking to some thug and I had done something terribly wrong. I am a paying customer and 'I don't have time for this'? Come on man...

So to say the least, I am still waiting for my check in the mail. AGAIN, I had to call them to remind them to send it to me. I'll have to double check and make sure they took the 20% off my order, and nothing more. They probably won't, but if there was a company to pull something like that, it would be timeandgems.

Never wait for them to call you back either. When they take down your number, they're probably writing it down with an air pen. With the exception of Ernesto, again who was helpful.

Most important, now this is just my honest opinion and I am going against a lot of 'satisfied' customers.
My family has been in the jewelry business and has been for over 20 years. I have seen many watches and Rolexes in my time. I have also seen my fair share of fake Rolex watches. From the very cheap knock offs to the very best imitations. Both the watches I received from timeandgems seemed suspect. I know they advertise that they are appraised and all that. I am saying just from my feel, they seemed real suspect, right up there with the really well made imitations. Minus all the obvious indicators of a fake, the best indicator is the actual band of the watch. It's hard to explain the feel of a well made fake and a real one. Almost like a solid feel, vs a loose stretched out feel. If you have seen and worked on many watches, then you know what I mean. Are they getting away with selling very well made knock offs?

Also, Rolex explicitly states that they NEVER sell online and only authentic Rolex watches come from a certified dealer IN a physical store, face to face, and that goes for used too!

There are so many well made fakes out there, I think that is why Rolex is so stern about sticking to their certified dealers. Just something to think about.

It's safe to say that I am angry with my whole experience and my review might have been venting. But I think my story is a CLEAR reflection of what kind of company you are dealing with. Only if you could have heard our phone conversations, no one would want to buy form them and I'm certain about that. If they are indeed Real Rolex watches, then good luck and I hope you hit no bumps along the way in your purchase.

If you read this and are looking to buy a used Rolex, my suggestion is DON'T. Unless it is from a certified Rolex dealer with a physical location. There is a reason timeandgems only sell used. No need to be certified if you sell used.

Put it this way, my ordeal was so bad, I want to everyone who is thinking about doing business with timeandgems to know how terrible they are. If I would have read something like this, I hope that I would have not purchased through them. Now I'm out $800.

Price: Cheap and low, but I think that reflects the quality of used watch you are buying

Customer service: Non existent. and if there is a sliver of service, it's god awful.

I hope you find this review useful. BUYER BEWARE!

If you want to see what I mean about high quality replicas, check out youtube and search "fake rolex" or "rolex replica"

Remember many people pay hundreds and up to even a couple thousand for top notch replicas.

Take care and good luck!

http://timeandgem.blogspot.com/


TIME & GEMS, TIME AND GEMS, TIMEANDGEMS.COM, WATCH EMPIRE, LLC, AKA MICHAEL DAVIDI ARE AN INTERNET EBAY ROLEX FRAUD & SCAM AND MUST BE STOPPED.

The websites are run by notorious scam artist Michael Davidi. Do a search for his name or the above domains on google. Or check out last feedback on timeandgems on ebay.

We are a group of 8 who has been defrauded of more than USD 23000.

If you have any questions, or if you have been defrauded by this guy, please feel free to contact me. Read the various reviews below and get to know who these people are:

FAKE REVIEWS..FAKE WATCHES!!!

Well just like what a smart consumer do, if you are purchasing something online, you would research about the establishment first right? And so I did.. with all that I read, I felt confident and was re-assured that I was making the right choice. I collect ROLEX watches and this would've been my third! To my anticipation, waiting for the package to arrive, you can't imagine the look on my face with such disappointment and anger when I opened the box and I just purchased a "pre-owned" ROLEX which was FAKE!!! I felt deceived..to my surprise as I explained this over the phone to the supervisor Mr. Lloyd Cavendish, he didn't even acknowledge that fact nor did he apologize for it!

THIS ESTABLISHMENT IS A FRAUD and they should be ashamed of themselves selling fake rolex watches to people!!!

http://www.yellowpages.com/los-angeles-ca/mip/time-and-gems-457393415

timeandgems.com / EBAY SCAM
They tell you to send a wire and save money but do not click " BUY IT NOW" on Ebay, then send you a inferier watch to see if you notice ?..then when you send it back for a refund they take ( steal !! ) 20% and call it a restocking fee !! SCAM, SCAM, SCAM ~!!!..do not answer emails nor offer exchanges as there Web site states !!..took me for $600 !!!..posted a dispute with the B.B.B & IC3.GOV !! this guy is BAD news, said a "GOOD" appraisal watch was the same as a "MINT" one, and used that excuse to scam me out of $600 !!! BEWARE BUYERS !!!, this guy is a peice of work !! $600 to put a watch back on the shelf ?...pleaseeeeeeeeeeee !!

http://forums.watchnet.com/index.php?t=tree&goto=393865&rid=0

Michael Davidi - The Watch Empire - Timeandgems

Watch2buy |
I am a dealer in Miami. On my very first purchase from WATCH EMPIRE, the watch (Cartier Roadster GMT) arrived not working. My watchmaker had to replace the parts on the watch ($160 dealer cost) and said the watch had been dropped various times and had never been serviced. The ad said that the watch was MINT and AS NEW!!! I called and Michael told me that he would credit the watch repair on my next purchase. I asked him to pay for the repair. He was very rude and nasty! After checking with some other dealers, I realized that WATCH EMPIRE has a HORRIBLE reputation with watch dealers! ********BUYER BEWARE!!!

http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Buying-a-Watch-review-qplqpsourm
________________________________________
Like several other people here I purchased a watch from timeandgems eBay store (July 14th). The price seemed suspiciously too good to be true, but the seller had almost perfect feedback 800 or so positive - established since 1997 - professional template/layout/photography - one negative in the previous year (at the time of my purchase). When I emailed him to ask why the watch was considerably cheaper than probably market value, he told me that they were clearing all of their stock out by the end of the month - essentially it sounded like they were divesting themselves of all their watches at fire sale prices. I was still suspicious but figured the purchase would be covered by eBay/PayPal anyway so I made the leap of faith and was emailed shortly thereafter to let me know the watch would be coming shortly via UPS and they would email me details shortly. After 5 days I emailed to ask why I had not been given tracking details, no response. I sent another email on the 6th day, and was advised that 'our eBay account was hacked' we cannot help you at this time. I immediately opened a PayPal dispute and contacted timeandgems on the phone number provided - I spoke to a guy with a strong Israeli accent who I assume is Michael, he advised me that their account was hacked and that eBay had been notified. I know from my own experience with eBay that in the event that this happens, the account is immediately NARU'd and a full refund is issued - no questions asked, end of story. Thus I know for a fact his claims are false. He is a con artist and a cheat and I will be lodging official complaints with eBay and contacting law enforcement agencies to follow this matter up. I encourage everybody else who has been stung by the scammer to notify not only eBay, but the authorities. Otherwise he can easily set up new eBay accounts under new names and defraud countless other people - if he's behind bars he will be in less of a position to do so (they may get an hour or two computer time per week depending on which correctional institution he ends up in). I did get refunded curiously enough about 30 minutes after I spoke to Michael and told him I would be going to the police.

And for all you Rolex buffs - the watch in question was a stainless steel datejust roman silver dial - late 90's model I believe - $USD1200 :)

http://www.rolexforums.com/archive/index.php/t-86624.html

Steve G.

Mar 25th 2010: Communicated with Jason Smith for over a week by email about a particular two tone GMT watch that I saw on their auction. The auction expired without selling, so I arranged an appointment with Jason Smith at Time and Gems to see/buy the watch during my trip From Texas to Palm Springs on March 25th. I made and confirmed by email the March 25th noon appointment with Jason Smith, and called early this morning before they opened to let Jason know I was coming, as I was about to fight several hours of traffic during my drive from Palm Springs to Time and Gem's office in LA. I left a messeage for Jason Smith about 0730 or so to let him know I was still coming to my appointment. After 3 1/2 Hours of bumper to bumper traffic, I called Time and Gem about 11:00 and spoke to Jason Smith. I told him I was 30-45 mintues out, he then said he SOLD THE WATCH!!! Give me a break! He said, "sorry man." Where is the customer service??? My head almost exploded. If you have more sense than I do, stay away from Jason Smith and Time and Gem. He is a loser trying to make a sale, without regard to customer service! STAY AWAY!!!

http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Time-and-Gems-206071075

LAME SELLERS ! Good luck to you... They are AKA "thewatchempire", "the watch empire llc" also "swisswatchempire", "michael davidi", "austin peterson". I purchased from them, they sent wrong watch, I sent it back to them. Then they sent another watch- no way on my life the same as pictured like I was supposed to get [got e-mail from "sales manager" (Justin) watches on their websites are actually the one you will receive]. Then, they refused exchange during the clearly posted exchange period (at that time, their website clearly read 10-day exchange period). I filed a complaint with LA County BBB - all facts. The Watch Empire gave absolutely no proof I was wrong and ultimately refused to make a final response to the complaint upon my rebuttal with even more evidence of their fraudulant business practices. Also, funny thing, I kept the watch listing saved under "my eBay" after it was "relisted". (How come they re-listed it if they sold it to me?). Well, some poor soul with a listed eBay location of Malaysia also bought the watch in the listing. How can they sell the same watch to two different sellers? LOL. Beware of these crooks. Do buisness at your own risk. Well, I'm still stuck with a total p.o.s. watch and LA County BBB apparently is powerless and just says they note the response (or lack of) and it reflects on their "ratings".

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=100282&highlight=time+gems

TIMEandGEMS.com BUYER BEWARE!! Read before you buy!
My terrible expeirance with www.timeandgems.com

Customer review/rating/service

Around the first week in June I researched and looked into www.timeandgems.com

Weary about buying a preowned Rolex, I tried to find as much information as possible and thought I'd just go for it. What a BIG MISTAKE!

First let me start out by saying that they have a company policy of a 20% restocking fee.

So I did my part and thought to have researched the company thoroughly. Obviously not enough. Let me just tell you my experience was one of the worst I have ever had, and actually it was more frustrating because there was nothing I could really do. The way their run their business is shady at best. Let me also say that they have a lot of publicity because they are the first to modify Rolex watches and turn them black with some military grade process.

They are also sell on ebay and have a lot of transactions and what seems to be satisfied customers. So I decided to go ahead and make a purchase.

I was buying a Rolex 2 tone date-just for my father. It was a surprise. Unfortunatley, my dad has not happy with the style of watch. This was entirely my fault and thankfully timeandgems offers a 10 day no hassle exchange policy. Great, lets change the watch!

So I talked with Juan and he told me I must ship it back to a different shipping address, not the one that was listed on the package. I was also advised to insure it for up to the watch amount, still sounds like nothing is wrong. Then UPS charged about $70 for insurance and shipping.

Now the problem with this situation is that the package had a return shipping label, not the address Juan told me to send it to. So I had to pay out of pocket. More on this later.

I had to call them several times to check and make sure my watch reached them. So they switched out my watch.

Timeandgems swapped it out for a submariner with no date, received it in a day or so. Let me also state, that trying to get a hold of theses people is impossible. For the life of me I can't understand how such a fine establishment with platinum power rankings on ebay can't answer the phone. But that's not the only issue. If they do pick up, to talk to the person you need to talk to, forget it! They put you on hold for no lie here, a minimum of 7 mins. OR the person you need to talk to is so busy, or their favorite, 'he just stepped out'. I know this is a lie because I talked to Juan and he said Jason (manager) JUST stepped out. Then I called back and talked to Ernesto. Ernesto was by the way the most helpful and genuine person I talked to over there. He seemed to care and helped me out. Anyways, he told me that Jason was there, but busy. Nothing major but lie none the less.

I received the submariner and to our big disappointment, the bezel or dial on the watch was loose! And when I say loose, I mean it was turning with no clicks, tension, and even worse, the bezel is supposed to only turn counter clockwise but this one you could turn both ways with ease. At this point, it felt like a real cheap knock off. Also, the submariner was a few hundred dollars cheaper than the original watch, so I should have been issued a refund. So for even that, I had to call and ask them to send me a check! Is that necessary? Were they hoping I would forget or didn't realize that price difference?

Now I realize that this is what they claim to be a CERTIFIED USED watch. But something that major should have been CHECKED! Or at the very least disclosed!!! According to Juan, it was a minor issue. Really?

After this major flaw in the watch, and my experience with them up until now, I just wanted my money back. So I knew the 20% 'restocking' fee probably would kick in.

It's worth to note, that both the watches were sent back to timeandgems the same day it was received, actually, within hours of arrival. This time I was not going to pay for shipping when the watch was defective. So I demanded a shipping label and they gave me one after waiting again on hold for an eternity. Would have been nice if they provided one the first time.

I wrote them an email asking for some leniency on the 20%. No response. So I wanted to talk to the manager, because no one in sales, especially Juan, can't issue refunds. It took me 2 DAYS to get Jason on the phone. Let me tell you how terrible this was.

I waited 2 different times to talk to Jason, the man who is so busy he can't take a customers phone call, or who is so busy that he is always stepping out of the office. And please, he is to busy to pick up that heavy telephone and call someone back.

After waiting almost 10 mins, again not an exaggeration I had Jason on the phone.

Here's the conversation.

Jason: Hello

Me: Finally I got you on the phone, did you get my email regarding my refund?

Jason: (abrupt interruption) Listen, I don't have time for this, if you want a refund there is a 20% restocking fee. Do you want a refund or not?

Me: There's nothing you can do? The watches were worn once to try on nothing else and plus the second watch was defective. You can't work something out?

Jason: No. Ill send you your refund minus 20%

I felt like I was talking to some thug and I had done something terribly wrong. I am a paying customer and 'I don't have time for this'? Come on man...

So to say the least, I am still waiting for my check in the mail. AGAIN, I had to call them to remind them to send it to me. I'll have to double check and make sure they took the 20% off my order, and nothing more. They probably won't, but if there was a company to pull something like that, it would be timeandgems.

Never wait for them to call you back either. When they take down your number, they're probably writing it down with an air pen. With the exception of Ernesto, again who was helpful.

Most important, now this is just my honest opinion and I am going against a lot of 'satisfied' customers.
My family has been in the jewelry business and has been for over 20 years. I have seen many watches and Rolexes in my time. I have also seen my fair share of fake Rolex watches. From the very cheap knock offs to the very best imitations. Both the watches I received from timeandgems seemed suspect. I know they advertise that they are appraised and all that. I am saying just from my feel, they seemed real suspect, right up there with the really well made imitations. Minus all the obvious indicators of a fake, the best indicator is the actual band of the watch. It's hard to explain the feel of a well made fake and a real one. Almost like a solid feel, vs a loose stretched out feel. If you have seen and worked on many watches, then you know what I mean. Are they getting away with selling very well made knock offs?

Also, Rolex explicitly states that they NEVER sell online and only authentic Rolex watches come from a certified dealer IN a physical store, face to face, and that goes for used too!

There are so many well made fakes out there, I think that is why Rolex is so stern about sticking to their certified dealers. Just something to think about.

It's safe to say that I am angry with my whole experience and my review might have been venting. But I think my story is a CLEAR reflection of what kind of company you are dealing with. Only if you could have heard our phone conversations, no one would want to buy form them and I'm certain about that. If they are indeed Real Rolex watches, then good luck and I hope you hit no bumps along the way in your purchase.

If you read this and are looking to buy a used Rolex, my suggestion is DON'T. Unless it is from a certified Rolex dealer with a physical location. There is a reason timeandgems only sell used. No need to be certified if you sell used.

Put it this way, my ordeal was so bad, I want to everyone who is thinking about doing business with timeandgems to know how terrible they are. If I would have read something like this, I hope that I would have not purchased through them. Now I'm out $800.

Price: Cheap and low, but I think that reflects the quality of used watch you are buying

Customer service: Non existent. and if there is a sliver of service, it's god awful.

I hope you find this review useful. BUYER BEWARE!

If you want to see what I mean about high quality replicas, check out youtube and search "fake rolex" or "rolex replica"

Remember many people pay hundreds and up to even a couple thousand for top notch replicas.

Take care and good luck!

http://timeandgem.blogspot.com/